Kindergarten

Denisse Mancia Braus (she/her), Lead Teacher

My Big Question: Should a person's legacy be based on the greatest thing they accomplish or the worst thing they do?

I’m starting my fourth year in the classroom and seventh year at New School! It's been a life-changing journey. I’ve been working with children since seventh grade when I was in charge of the 4 year-olds in my church scouting program. 

I believe in the magic of kindergarten. As a kindergartener, I was mistakenly labeled a 'quiet and serious learner'. While I take life-long learning seriously, I was only quiet because I didn’t know how to speak English! I’m pretty sure I’ve successfully shed the 'quiet' misnomer.

When not at New School, I can be found hanging with my girl gang, Olivia and Mila (my daughters), and doing crafts, cooking or having dance parties.  

William Nadel (he/him), Lead Teacher

My Big Question: How can our small actions help to change the world?

I was born and raised in San Francisco. My journey to teaching began with 8 years as a camp counselor. After earning my bachelor's degree in Spanish from Middlebury College, Master in International Business Management from Thunderbird, and Master in Education from UOP, two plus decades in high tech and healthcare technologies, I have returned to my calling, teaching children. I am in my seventh year as a teacher, and have taught kindergarten, first and fourth grade. I want children to love school and to love learning.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, family, and friends, walking around San Francisco, hiking in Marin County or in the mountains, and watching old movies and British mysteries.

Maryam Ataie (she/her), Resident Teacher

Hi, New School community! I am beyond excited to join your team and help teach kindergarten. I have lived in California for almost my entire life and the Bay Area has shaped me into the person I am today. I recently graduated from UC Berkeley where I majored in English.

I am currently beginning a year-long teaching residency where I will earn my teaching credentials. I have always wanted to be an educator and while I do have some experience, this will still be a new challenge for me, and one I am excited to take on. I love working with kids and I think that they are the most important people in the world. I have worked in a preschool before and created and facilitated a class in college.

I have always wanted to make a positive impact on the world, even if it is in small ways, and I know teaching will allow me to accomplish this. When I have free time I spend most of it reading, writing short stories, or hanging out with family and friends.

Hope Garrett (she/her), Resident Teacher

I am very excited to be joining the New School team! I have spent the majority of my life living in the Bay Area. I graduated from CSU San Marcos with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development.

After graduating, I had many valuable experiences working with youth in different settings, from working at a group home for male youth or at a Montessori preschool. Throughout all of these experiences, teaching has always been on my radar as a potential career path. My most recent job provided me with the encouragement and confidence that I needed in order to pursue a teaching career. Since making this decision, I have started a teacher residency program, which is what brought me here! I am passionate about creating a positive and engaging environment where I can help students reach their full potential and build meaningful connections with every student that I have the opportunity to work with.

When I am not in the classroom, you may find me swimming, painting pottery, shopping at Trader Joe’s, or spending time with my family. I’m looking forward to meeting you all!